The Iron Teeth: A Goblin's Tale - From RoyalRoadl.com by ClearMadness

Out of Darkness 3

The long bellowing sound of the warning horn rang out over the village of Shelter. Its unusual cadence seemed to vibrate in people's bones and put them on edge. Geralhd, Beardy, and Blacknail followed Tannin and the other villagers over to the town gate. Everyone was talking to each other as they strode purposely forward. The air was thick with tension and everyone looked fearful and nervous. Blacknail was at the very back and there was a cheerful spring in his step as he skipped along after the humans. This was going to be great fun!

"I've already called up the town militia," Tannin was explaining to Geralhd. "I'd like you to arm your own men and join us. The stronger and steadier we look the less likely this situation is to fall to bloodshed."

"What? We can't trust them!" another villager protested. He was a middle-aged man with a balding head. "They're probably the reason these outsiders are here. It can't be a coincidence that we get one group of intruders right after the other."

"Could they be after you? When you first came here, you did mention that you were looking to escape from some enemies that you had made," Tannin asked as he turned to face Geralhd.

"It's highly bloody unlikely," Geralhd quickly responded in an offended tone. "We had rivals we were avoiding but the timing for this makes no sense. They have no reason to search the Green for a full month in the slim hope of catching us! They would gain absolutely nothing from that, and our trail is beyond cold and dead. How could they possibly know where we are?"

As he frowned thoughtfully, Tannin considered this answer. After a moment, he nodded and turned back to the man who had spoken. "I have to agree with Geralhd. They've been here too long for this to be someone looking for their tracks. That means that this isn't directly related to them, so we need to trust our guests for now. We're all in this mess together."

"We'll know who the newcomers are soon enough, I guess. I have a feeling we're not going to like it, though," the balding man replied as he stared off toward the gate.

"I fear you're right," Tannin agreed. He sounded apprehensive. While they were talking, Gerahld sent Beardy off to gather up the remaining members of their band.

Nothing more of much importance was said until they reached the gates. When they got there, Tannin climbed up the ladder that led to the watch platform, as the others peered through the gaps in the log walls. Blacknail jumped up and pulled his head over the wall so he could see. His display of agility got him a few looks but everyone had more important things to worry about than him.

"Damnation, there are a lot of the bastards," Tannin cursed as he studied the approaching group. Blacknail agreed with him.

Across the field, the hobgoblin could see a large mob of humans. They definitely looked like bandits to Blacknail, and he was an expert. They were wearing dirty, rough clothing and they were armed to the teeth. Blacknail could see a plethora of weapons such as swords and axes. However, most telling of all, they were walking with an arrogant swagger that promised violence at the drop of a hat. Blacknail knew it well.

"Ya, these ruffians look like trouble," Geralhd commented to no one in particular.

Blacknail began counting, but then got frustrated and stopped. They kept moving around, but he figured there were just over a hundred intruders. That was more than Blacknail had been planning on dealing with. Stupid Elyias couldn't do anything right. Hmmm, this was a bit of a problem. He would have to make sure the village didn't get damaged too much. It was full of resources he wanted under his control. Still, the enemy were just humans. They had no idea what was waiting for them out here in the Green. This was Blacknail's territory.

As the people at the gate were talking among themselves and trying to come up with a plan, more villagers began to arrive. Those that weren't already armed were quickly handed weapons such as axes or improvised spears. Soon, there were dozens of them, and they were joined by Beardy and the other bandits. Even Khita was there. All of them were armed and Beardy led them right over to Geralhd. Their swords, leather armor, and confident posture made them easily distinguishable from the villagers.